Anti-Cysticercus Antibodies in Pigs and Pig Breeders in María La Baja, Colombia

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. It is acquired through fecal-oral contamination, and it can affect humans and pigs. In Colombia, this is an endemic infection especially in locations where breeding and commercialization of pigs are performed under poorly hygienic conditions, such as in Maria La Baja, Department of Bolívar. However, seroprevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies in pigs or pig breeders at these locations has not been determined. Thus, using indirect immunoassays we quantified anti-cysticercus antibodies in serum samples of pigs (n=254) and pig breeders (n=121) in Maria La Baja. Furthermore, a questionnaire was applied in order to determine environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic variables. Anti-cysticercus antibodies were detected in 36.6% (93/254) of pigs and 44.6% (54/121) of pig breeders. A significant causal association was identified for daily cleaning of pigsties and having anti-cysticercus antibodies with an aOR = 15.16 (CI 95%- 2.13 - 107.86; p = 0.0002). No significant associations were identified between the evaluated variables and seroprevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies in pigs. Our study indicates that there is a high seroprevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies in humans and pigs in locations where handling of pigs is performed under poor hygienic conditions. Our results suggest that there is a need to design and implement prevention and control strategies in Maria La Baja in order to reduce transmission of this disease.